Drew glances to the side when he hears a kid yell out to his parents as they enter the tree area. “And you and the coach…?”
I shrug. “I don’t know.”
He chuckles to himself. “I’m going to have to point out that you are your parents. Your mom fell for a coach.”
My brows bounce up then fall down. “Thanks for that reminder.”
“Hey, you may be an adult, but I still get to tease you, Miss Family Tradition.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re right.”
“Is it really bad if I ask if we can have a bet to see how long it takes for Dad to say that Asher has to marry you?” He’s dead serious.
I brush him off with a scoff. “Don’t be ridiculous.” I pause. “Three minutes.”
“Three seconds,” he challenges.
I lift my chin out. “What do I get if I win?”
“I’ll make you the cribanda matching rocking chair.”
Game on. Because he is great at carpentry.
“Deal. And if I lose… I’ll tell your wife that I absolutelyneedyou at Easter at Dad’s because I’m pregnant and emotional and can’t handle matza for our five-minute Passover Seder that follows.” He loves Lucy and would do anything for her. But he also deserves some quiet, and any holiday with the Blisswood family is a headache even for the experienced souls.
“I accept this bet.” We smile at one another. “Now let’s hug it out, and let me know the code word that the Senior Coach has learned the news that he’s going to be a granddad again and might ask me for tools to contemplate murder.”
Accepting his open hug, I’m reassured. He gives me a moment to remember everything is fine and it can only get more exciting, even if it’s daunting.
I peerover my mom’s shoulder as I watch her sketch a design for a gorgeous long nightgown that will have soft see-through mesh and slits up both legs. Sophisticated yet provocative at the same time. Of course, comfortable as can be.
Lately, while drawing my dress designs, I’ve been focusing on her cozy pajamas that are for any occasion. Pajamas are popular during the holidays here in the boutique. Her entire brand is by no means small, but the boutique is where the magic happens. Plus, Piper Crews is friendly to everyone and takes the time to talk to customers. Not many fashionista powerhouses do that.
“You doing okay? You seem distant lately,” she asks but continues drawing. As much as she is excellent at all of the design programs on her computer, she is traditional and prefers to draw by hand just like me.
Stepping to the side, I pick up a piece of satin cloth nextto the jar of candy canes mixed with chocolate gelt coins to keep my hand occupied. “Totally. Just tired.”
Abruptly, she sets her pencil down and swivels on her stool to face me. “Are you feeling okay? There are a lot of flus going around. Or is it the fact that your dad nixed my idea to invite the rabbi for Christmas dinner where we do charades?”
I snort a laugh. “Although the fact you even half joke about that is concerning… No. It’s not that.” Debating what to say, I can honestly say that I haven’t rehearsed a word.
My mom doesn’t say anything, instead waiting patiently.
“Can I tell you something and you won’t say anything to Dad? Not yet anyhow. Maybe this is the year to get that new puppy since Clove passed away. It will keep Dad distracted.”
Her eyes grow with wonder. “No puppy,” she says bluntly. Also code that she’s waiting and I’d better give her an explanation pronto.
I take a big inhale, ready to do this. “The thing is, something unexpected has happened.”
“As in?”
Clearing my throat, I pep myself to say the sentence that will change my mom’s world. “Hopefully, you see it as a Chrismukkah gift rolled into one.” Her look is stern that I better speed this up. “I’m pregnant.”
She goes still, not entirely sure what to do or say, and she stays this way for a few moments. “With whom?” There is neither disappointment nor excitement in her voice.
“The coach of the Spinners,” I answer simply.
She nods repeatedly and a smile slowly etches on her face. “Ah, I saw him outside with you once. You both looked enchanted with the other, and now you’repregnant.”
